European Gypsy Moth - Pest Identification

EGM is a plain-looking insect that people would likely not notice if it were not for its caterpillar stage. A female moth lays a cluster of eggs (called an egg mass) on and near trees, and each egg mass can hatch up to a thousand tiny caterpillars with a ravenous appetite for leaves. They feed on over 300 species of trees and shrubs. The caterpillars feed for about six to eight weeks and then pupate in a protected area. After approximately two weeks, adult gypsy moths emerge, mate, and females lay eggs. After overwintering, the eggs hatch, and the cycle begins again. Gypsy moths produce one generation per year.